FAQs

Can I submit more than one idea?Yes! There is no limit to the number of entries you can submit.

If my idea fits two tracks do I submit one application or two?You should submit two applications and tailor your submissions so that each clearly articulates the user benefit/s or problem that it solves for that track.

Can a team just be one person?No. There must be more than one person in a team as you will need at least one other person to bounce ideas off and share the work load.

If I/we are already working with Callaghan Innovation on a project am I/we eligible to enter C-Prize?Yes, however Callaghan Innovation people cannot be listed or form part of your team.

How do I connect with potential team mates?If you are studying we recommend you talk to your class mates or use social networks such as Facebook to connect up with potential team mates. Callaghan Innovation has Regional Business Partners around the country who can help connect you with individuals and companies involved in innovation.

Can I use pictures from the Internet to illustrate my idea?Yes, but you must reference where you have sourced your pictures.

Can open-source software be used?Yes, so long as you reference it.

If I include a link to a video will it be considered by the judges.Yes.

I/we have just submitted our entry online and we noticed a feature to upload a video. Is it a requirement to upload a video?The C-Prize online submission process allows each team the opportunity to upload a short video presenting their idea with their submission. This is however not compulsory.

What if I already have the start of a prototype?No problem. Going through the C-Prize process will help you think about your potential business and end users and will likely help improve your final solution.

Can I make a submit and entry which is a new application of existing hardware?Yes, however we are looking for next generation technology rather than next iteration and suggest you would need to expand your thinking.

What is “wearable technology?” What is a “wearable?”Wearable technology (also called wearable tech or simply “wearables”) is a category of smart product devices that are either worn on the body, used in extension of the body, or those products used near the body that interact and or collects information about the user (and possibly the users setting) and processes it providing insightful and helpful information back to the user to help improve their performance or wellbeing.

What do you mean by “User Scenario”? What do you mean by “Understanding the User?”A user scenario is simply a person going about their life or work. The term user scenario is a term used to identify and or frame a specific situation. This concept is used in new product development to breakdown a user’s experience into key stages or frames, and to define the user’s requirements at each point. By studying the intended user of your idea, you can begin to think creatively about what are they trying to achieve with each task and what they may require to do that task easier or better, for example.

What do you mean by “Technology Track”?This year’s C-Prize has three openly framed themes for solving user problems, what we have called “tracks” These Tracks are: Live Healthier; Work Safer; Play Smarter. Find out more about each track.

How do I protect my intellectual property (IP) when I apply?We have made it clear in the initial submission what parts of your submission will be publicized. Should you go through as a finalised we will work with you to help protect your IP.

Are the judges bound by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)?Yes.

If I test my idea with the international experts (through C-Prize) what happens to my intellectual property?You retain your intellectual property.

Is there an end-user weighting, ie. Big problem for small number of people vs small problem for big number of people?Please refer to the Judging Criteria. Judges are looking for next generation wearable technologies that are user centred and that each team clearly understands the intend user and their needs as well as to what degree your ideas impacts on their performance or wellbeing. Weighting by way of the criteria is based on how well you have developed your technology to meet the needs of the intended user and how it impacts their lives.

If we get selected as a finalist, what happens next?Teams selected as finalists will be invited to progress into the Challenge Phase of the programme. Finalists will be required to attend technology focused bootcamps and develop their idea through to proof of concept/prototype.

Can I use my professional company to make my prototype?Yes.

If my entry is selected as a finalist, can I/my team develop a prototype based on the concept that is different from the initially submitted idea?Your final prototype should be based on the idea submitted in the initial concept stage, but C-Prize recognises that ideas and solutions will evolve during development as teams learn more during research and development. What cannot deviate is the user scenario that you have selected to improve.

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is high profile/stakes. How good will my prototype have to be?The grand-prize winner (and likely several finalists) will have something that can compete on a world-stage having come through the C-Prize process. Our workshops and support services are part of the awesome benefits of participating in C-Prize.

Does Callaghan Innovation take a percentage stake in any start up?No. In fact, we will help you look at ways to help you protect your intellectual property.